17 Journalists Embrace Southeast Asia’s Infrastructure Landscape Through New Fellowship
Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has unveiled the names of 17 accomplished journalists from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, chosen to participate in the second Journalist Fellowship for Infrastructure Reporting in Southeast Asia. This prestigious fellowship, part of the STRIDES project, aims to shed light on the multifaceted impacts of infrastructure projects on communities and the environment in the region.
Illuminating Underreported Stories
The fellows represent a diverse range of media outlets, including renown organizations like Mongabay Indonesia, Project Multatuli, and ABS-CBN News. They will receive in-depth training from EJN staff, seasoned journalists, and legal experts, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to investigate and report on the pressing environmental and social issues arising from infrastructure development.
This fellowship builds on EJN’s commitment to improving reporting on the environmental consequences of infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, marked by a similar training initiative involving 14 journalists earlier in 2024.
A Focus on Impact and Accountability
“We carefully selected these journalists for their demonstrable ability to produce compelling environmental journalism,” said Philip Gassert, STRIDES Project Manager. “The fellowship will provide them with invaluable mentorship from EJN, and we’re prioritizing their physical and digital security throughout the program.”
The training program combines five days of online sessions commencing on October 28th with two days of in-person training in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 5th and 6th. The curriculum delves into the finance and policies underpinning these projects, enabling fellows to adopt a deeper, more nuanced approach to their reporting.
Supported by grants and personalized mentoring, the fellows will dedicate themselves to investigating a wide range of infrastructure projects across the region, focusing on their environmental and human rights impacts. By illuminating these often-overlooked stories, STRIDES aims to bolster accountability mechanisms and encourage more equitable and sustainable development practices.
Follow the Fellows’ Journey
Readers can look forward to powerful stories from the fellows, published originally in local media outlets and subsequently shared on the EJN website starting in February 2025. Stay tuned to learn more about the impacts of infrastructure development in Southeast Asia through the eyes of these dedicated journalists.